Cardinal
Eugênio de Araújo Sales, Archbishop emeritus of São Sebastião do Rio de
Janiero, Ordinary emeritus for Eastern Rite Catholics in Brazil
without ordinaries of their own rites, was born
on 8 November 1920 in Acari, Diocese of Caico.

After
having done humanistic studies, he entered the
seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1943.
After having exercised his pastoral ministry in
rural areas, he was called to the seminary of
Natal, where he served as a supply officer,
professor and spiritual director.

On 1 June 1954 he was
elected titular Bishop of
Tibica and appointed Auxiliary of Natal . He was consecrated on 15
August 1954. Thereafter,
in October 1962, he became Apostolic
Administrator sede plena. In the see of
Natal, he promoted a series of initiatives which
spread quickly in all of northeastern Brazil: he
founded the social assistance service for rural
workers, educational centers, and radio
transmissions for elementary and middle school instruction.

On 6 July 1964, he was named Apostolic Administrator sede
plena of São Salvador da Bahia and on 29
October 1968 he became Archbishop. In this
Archdiocese he began new pastoral initiatives
and social promotions for the less fortunate. He
also directed the Latin American Episcopal
Council’s department for social action. During
Vatican Council II, he was a member of the
commission for the lay apostolate and the mixed
commission which elaborated the general outline
of Gaudium et Spes.

On 29 October 1971
Paul VI named him Archbishop of São Sebastião
do Rio de Janeiro.

Archibishop emeritus of
São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, 25 July 2001.

Ordinary emeritus for Eastern
Rite Catholics in Brazil without ordinaries of their own rites, 3
October 2001.

Created and proclaimed
Cardinal by Paul VI in the consistory of 28
April 1969, of the Title of St. Gregory VII.